The One Card to simplify stadium entry in UK

The One Card, a new contactless stadium season ticket card, is set to simplify payments and slash queuing times at UK venues.

The One Card is an all-in-one season ticket and member card with contactless payment functionality, with holders able to gain entry to stadiums and purchase items from selected merchants using the card.

The card – the first of its kind in the UK – has been launched through a partnership between Fortress GB, which enables digital ticketing, automated access control, fan engagement programmes and currently has 7.5 million card users, and financial services provider Wirecard.

Duncan Martin, development consultant at Fortress, said: “Fortress carried an extensive search for an issuing partner that understood the strategic aims of the company, along with the challenges presented by working in the sports stadium environment. We are happy to have chosen Wirecard to partner us on this journey and look forward to rolling out the program in 2018.”

Fortress GB is partner to more than 130 sports teams and organisations globally, and provides technology such as RFID and NFC to help support game day operations and wider fan engagement activities.

Through the digital ticketing technology, fans are able to purchase passes online or within the mobile app, via the clubs’ existing integrated ticketing platform.

The contactless season card is said to cut down waiting times and reduce queues for fans throughout the season.

In addition, supporters can choose to pay with the membership card, and in the future, purely digital with a new smartphone app for contactless payment.

Brian Lawlor, director of sales and business development at Wirecard, said: “The One Card will help speed up sales, creating an attractive proposition for clubs across the UK wanting to offer a top-class service to loyal and dedicated fans.

“UK shoppers have embraced contactless payments and now expect a quick and convenient point of sale transaction, this solution will ensure clubs can deliver and meet exactly this.”